Together with Sicilian and Paestan vase painting, it formed a close stylistic community.
The Lucanian vase painting tradition began around 430 BC, with the works of the Pisticci Painter.
His works rarely depict mythological scenes, probably reflecting the local tastes.
Around 370 BC, the workshops in Policoro and Metapontum ceased to function, and production moved to the hinterland.
After the mid-4th century, the quality of Lucanian vases deteriorated increasingly, and the range of painted motifs became more and more monotonous.